UPDATED: Loganville to Vote on Term Limits

UPDATED at 11:15 a.m. with additional input from Councilman Skip Baliles.

After listening to all the comments concerning the Term Limit proposal Monday evening, there is obviously a better way to meet the needs of the Loganville citizens. I must admit I was looking at this issue through some relatively "older" eyes and certainly see the objections to possibly being unable to serve the community for life after two terms. Yes, I am listening to another view point made by Michelle, Rey and even Mark. I thank each of you for your comments and presenting another point of view.
 
With that thought in mind, I will change the motion at Thursday's council meeting to read: "Candidate may serve 2 four years terms and then must sit out one election before being allowed to reenter an election for the same office." This will give Loganville the benefit of the talent of a candidate, if desired, while putting more decisions back into the hands of the voters.

members are expected to vote Thursday on whether to change the City Charter to limit the terms of the mayor and council. In a draft proposal, newly-elected asked for the vote to keep a promise he made during his campaign. In terms of the proposed Charter amendment, council members could only serve two, four-year, consecutive terms in an office. They could effectively serve for 16 years, eight as a council member and eight as mayor. These would be lifetime limits on each of the offices.

The idea of term limits, however, did not get the support of all the council members.

While Councilmen Mike Jones and Dan Curry said they joined Baliles in support of term limits, Councilmen Mark Kiddoo, Rey Martinez and Councilwoman Michelle Lynch indicated they were not in support of the measure.

“It would eliminate the choice for voters,” Kidoo said. “If someone is doing a good job, we are telling the voters that doesn't matter - they can’t vote them back into office.”

“When I campaigned I spoke to a lot of voters and I heard complaints about water, high taxes and millage rates, but not one mention of term limits. I am not in support of that at all,” Martinez said. “Our term limits should be decided by the folks of Loganville casting their votes. It would make the second term a lame duck term.”

“Do you mean that after eight years I would no longer be able to serve my city if I wanted to,” Lynch said.

Curry said he thought about it after the discussion and did see their point.

“But I was at those forums and when asked if I would support term limits I said I would,” Curry said. “I just can’t go back on my word.”

Jones, Baliles and Curry were elected in November, Curry to a second term. However, if the term limits are implemented they would only go into effect for future terms. Those first to be affected would be the mayor as well as Lynch, Kiddoo and Martinez who are up for re-election next year.

In the event of a tie vote on Thursday, Mayor Ray Nunley would get to vote the tie-breaker.

“If Skip made a promise to his constituents, then let’s bring it up for a vote,” Nunley said at Monday’s work session.

The City Council Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers at City Hall. This will be preceded by a Public Safety Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Do you think Loganville mayor and city council posts should be limited to two four-year terms? Take our poll.